Diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

A diagnosis is made via a medical professional’s evaluation, based on specific criteria.

For medical professionals to diagnose obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, individuals must be persistently preoccupied with order, perfectionism, and control of self, others, and situations, as shown by at least four of the following:

1. They are preoccupied with details, rules, schedules, organisation, and lists.
2. Their attempts to do something perfectly interferes with completion of tasks.
3. They are extremely devoted to work and productivity (not because of financial necessity), resulting in neglect of leisure activities and friends.
4. They are excessively conscientious, exacting, and inflexible regarding ethical and moral issues and values.
5. They resist throwing out worn-out or worthless objects, even those with no sentimental value.
6. They are reluctant to delegate or work with other people unless others agree to do things exactly as they want.
7. They are reluctant to spend money on themselves and others because they see it as something to be saved for future disasters.
8. They are rigid and stubborn.

Also, symptoms must have begun by early adulthood.